I came into the world finding my grandparents and parents fishing. Since my early childhood I have always gone out to sea. I loved the sea because it was our only source of income.
As fishermen, we do not have fixed working hours; everything depends on the period and the season. In the rainy season, the sea is usually quite agitated, and as a result, we usually need to set off during the day to avoid the rain and other disturbances of the sea.
Upon our return, we disembark at the port and sell our catch to the fishmongers.
We catch different kinds and species of fish such as swordfish, tuna, and mackerel. Sardines are the most common catch.
Depletion of the Oceans
I do not think that the fish have decreased in number. Fish naturally reproduce and multiply rapidly, so I do not have any problems with the massive presence of foreign fleets. The problem is the government. They have prohibited us from fishing in fishing parks in Joal and Ngaparou at the pain of heavy fines. I have been the victim of such fines. I really do not mind the presence of the fleets. They obtained licences to fish from the government. The government must help us compete by giving us better boats. The wooden boats that we use cannot go up to 90km into the high seas.
I know that sometimes the fleets go beyond the remit of their licences, but again, it the government’s duty to call them to order.
Unionism
There is no real union. We only have small organisations. No union has ever helped me.
Proposed Solution
The breeding parks have to be open every 6 months to allow us fish otherwise we simply cannot compete with the fleets. The government must come to our aid.
Migration
People migrant because they cannot find decent work and sustenance. They leave in search of hope and money. If they succeed in making money abroad, they return to invest in the fold.
The future
Not much has changed since the days of my grandparents. They did not have bank accounts. We do not have bank accounts. They did not save. We do not save. They lived from day to day. We live from day to day. They had no support. We have no support. We literally have to see to everyone of our problems ourselves. To build our canoes, we need to buy and source for wood.
I would love for my children to start Koranic school, then perhaps French school before venturing into fishing. It is good to have some variety in the family.